Abstract: A high efficiency, environmentally friendly system comprising a plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels (PV panels) is disclosed. The system comprises an outer frame to which a plurality of inner frames are mounted to which the plurality of PV panels are attached. To minimize shadowing by the outer frame upon one or more PV panels, at least one PV panel may extend beyond an endpoint of the main frame. The system also comprises an outer frame rotation actuator that rotates the outer frame and an inner frame rotation actuator that rotates the inner frames and the plurality of PV panels. The solar tracking array frames disclosed herein help to improve the quality of the environment by conserving a variety of energy resources (e.g., fossil fuels, hydroelectric energy, etc.) The solar tracking array frames disclosed herein also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as solar tracking array frames do not produce carbon dioxide byproducts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a window frame design that is adapted to receive at least two light-panels. The window frame comprises a stepped frame section that includes a lower step surface and an upper step surface. The lower step surface is adapted to receive a first light-panel so that a section of the first light-panel lies flush against the lower step surface. Similarly, the upper step surface is adapted to receive a second light-panel so that the second light-panel lies flush against the upper step surface. The window frame design of the invention can be either incorporated into a skylight frame that may be attached to a curb unit on a roof or it may be an integral part of a skylight frame-curb assembly that also contains a curb section. In another embodiment of the invention, a window frame design which directly incorporates one or more light-panels during molding is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the insulation value of a window system with a weep hole includes a flapper valve with a buoyant flap articulating relative to a non-moving portion. The flap is positioned on the window frame over the weep hole proximate the inside of the structure in which the window system is installed and the non-moving portion is attached to the window frame. The flap may be held against the frame around the weep hole by gravity and/or by the elastic memory of a portion of the flap, such as a plastic hinge. The flapper valve is closed when dry to diminish the flow of ex-filtration through the weep hole, but opens in response to being flooded with water due to the buoyancy of the flap, opening the weep hole and allowing the water to drain.

Abstract: Fire block devices for application to a wall component. The fire-block device can be a wall component that includes a fire-resistant material strip that expands in response to sufficient heat to create a fire-resistant barrier. In some applications, the fire-block wall component is positioned to extend lengthwise along and across a gap between wallboard members. The fire-block wall component may have a U-shaped central portion and a pair of side portions extending in opposite directions from the central portion. The fire-resistant material may be positioned on the central portion of the fire-block device. The central portion may be positioned within the gap such that the fire-resistant material expands in response to sufficient heat to create a fire-resistant barrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a freestanding wall section and a method of constructing a wall. The invention provides a wall section for use in building a wall comprising: a wall portion having a front face portion and a rear face portion; a connecting portion connecting said front face portion to said rear face portion and defining a cavity therebetween; in which the connecting portion has an aperture for receiving concrete mix and which in use allows the concrete mix to fill said cavity. The invention also provides a method of building a walk using such wall sections.

Abstract: A building module. The building module has a rigid inner construction panel defining a planar surface thereon; one or more rigid brackets each affixed by one or more mechanical fasteners to the planar surface of the inner construction panel; a rigid, closed-cell, spray foam or adhesive matrix contiguous to and substantially covering the planar surface of the construction panel and filling and surrounding and/or embedding at least a major portion of the one or more brackets. Each of the one or more brackets bears a planar surface facing substantially away from the planar surface of the inner construction panel. The surface area of the planar surface of each of the one or more brackets is substantially smaller than the surface area of the planar surface of the construction panel to which it is affixed. There is also a method for making a building module, a method for constructing a building using the building module, and brackets useful in the building module.

Abstract: A composite membrane of wood floor diaphragm for construction of new buildings and strengthening of existing buildings to provide improved load transfer capacity and enhanced resistance to gravity and lateral loads, such as earthquake and/or wind for buildings with wood floor framing. The composite membrane extends beneath the wall framing to utilize the composite membrane diaphragm as a load and shear bearing element.

Abstract: An insulation system including a first retention member having a first channel, a second retention member having a second channel, and a thermal bridge. The thermal bridge includes a first finger and a second finger. The first finger is received into the first channel and the second finger is received into the second channel. The system further includes a first locking tab associated with the first channel for securing the first finger and a second locking tab associated with the second channel for securing the second finger. The thermal bridge substantially reduces conductive heat transfer between the first retention member and the second retention member.

Abstract: A paneling system for external building walls includes: panels; bottom and top panel adapters attached to the panels with anchor plates; sill, head and wall girts; top and bottom panel shelves; and panel alignment mechanisms. The top panel shelves are configured for complimentary engagement with the top panel adapter and with the head and wall girts; and the bottom panel shelves are configured for complimentary engagement with the bottom panel adapters and with the sill and wall girts. A method for installing the paneling system includes attaching the sill, head wall girts to the wall; attaching the top and bottom panel shelves to the corresponding head girt, sill girt or wall girt; attaching the top and bottom panel adapters to each panel; attaching top panel adapters to the top panel shelves; attaching the bottom panel adapters to the bottom panel shelves; and aligning the panel using the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: Even if a board is damaged, a large-scale construction work of replacing the board is not required, and merely application of a product of the present invention to the board of an outlet attachment portion with an adhesive paste makes it possible to prevent the board from being more damaged than it is, and restore the strength of the board, which enables the proper attachment of an outlet. Then, the attachment of the product of the present invention in advance makes it possible to reinforce the outlet attachment portion of the board, and prevent the damage of the outlet attachment portion. Further, after the product of the present invention is attached, the unevenness of the joint portion needs to be inconspicuous.

Abstract: This invention concerns a system of construction elements for the dry construction of a structure by way of shaped protrusions for mutual connection during assembly. It consists of construction element modules for raising walls, the ceiling and roof, and that the module consists of two elements with adjacent sides connected by a third element, creating a self-tightening connection, and the shaped protrusions of construction elements have two lateral contact surfaces, guiding (1) and self-tightening (2), inclined at specific angles ? and ?, and these angles are determined, respectively, between the perpendicular to the upper or lower protrusion surface and the guiding or self-tightening surface. The invention also includes applications of the specified system for raising compact and low structures, as well as for completing walls in buildings with skeletal constructions, and also as a block system for raising miniature constructions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable modular roof truss system. In one embodiment, a portable modular roof truss system comprises at least one roof truss device comprising a roof apex collar, a crossbar, two arms, and two connecting members. The collar comprises two separate members coupled together by at least one bolt to form an opening capable of receiving a roof pole. In another embodiment, a portable modular roof truss system comprises two roof apex collars. In yet another embodiment, a roof truss device comprises a collar, a crossbar, two arms, and two connecting members. The collar comprises two separate members coupled together by a hinge to form an opening capable of receiving a roof pole.

Abstract: A trim element such as a door pilaster or frieze board, for attachment to a building wall, having front and back longitudinal faces, first and second longitudinal edges, and a longitudinal groove in the first edge. A mounting bracket for the wall has a forward strip that extends laterally and is selectively friction fit into the groove, a back strip that extends laterally on the back face of the element, and a connecting web between the forward and back strip that is flush with the first edge when the forward strip is fully inserted in the groove. A mounting flange for the wall extends laterally from the back face of the element, beyond the second longitudinal edge, and has a longitudinal channel along the second edge with a width that is effective to receive an edge of wall siding.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing physical assets for civil and/or industrial facilities on Moon, Mars and/or asteroid, as well as the kit of materials and apparatus for implementing the same. Such a kit allows in fact to implement the process of the invention by providing all materials and apparatus that will be applied on Moon, Mars and/or asteroid, thus advantageously and significantly reducing, either the costs and the volume and bulk of the materials. The process comprises the steps of enriching the regolite present in the soil in ilmenite or in iron oxides, then mixing it with aluminum powder and sending the resulting mixture to a reaction chamber for the obtention of constructive elements.

Abstract: A ground mounting assembly, system and methods for ground mounting a structure include a plurality of posts, each of which are attached to at least one stabilizing plate. The posts may be at least partially positioned underground, with the connected stabilizing plates being buried to a depth of about 1 foot. Posts in a front portion of the mounting assembly may be connected to an adjacent one of posts in a back portion of the assembly by a cross member.

Abstract: Provided is a method of installing a tile mosaic upon a vertical concrete surface. The method includes providing a plurality of tiles, a tile support, and a concrete form. The plurality of tiles are adhered to the tile support to define a mosaic assembly. The tiles are positioned on the tile support corresponding to the mosaic. The mosaic assembly is connected to the concrete form, and concrete is poured within the concrete form such that a portion of the tiles become embedded within the concrete. The tile support is subsequently detached from the concrete form and the concrete form is removed from the cured concrete. The tile support is additionally removed from the plurality of tiles to reveal the mosaic on vertical surface of the concrete structure.

Abstract: A tile aligning and lippage tuning system that uses an under tile base reusable upright connecting tab, which is detachably connected to said under tile base, a reusable flexible edge slotted cap configured to slip over the connecting tab and latch thereto as the cap is slid further down the connecting tab. The cap has an edge slot so that the connecting tab can be separated from the cap, by merely sliding the cap, so that the connecting tab passes through the slot. A flexible spring-like portion of the cap provides increased force on the tile even if undesired elongation of the connecting tab occurs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for manufacturing shelf-stable, multi-compartment products. In a general embodiment, a manufacturing system is provided and includes a continuous manufacturing line including a barrier separating a dry food packaging area from a wet food packaging area. The manufacturing line is configured to manufacture a shelf-stable food product including both a dry food product with no artificial preservatives in a first compartment of a tray and a wet food component with no artificial preservatives in a second compartment of the tray.

Abstract: A sealing die assembly for a form fill packaging machine is disclosed. The sealing die assembly may have a forming station, a loading station, a sealing station, and a cutting station. The sealing station may contain a sealing die box and a sealing die head that come together to secure pieces of packing material around a product. To minimize the amount of scrap that the sealing die assembly produces, the die box may have one or more protrusions that extend in a longitudinal direction and provide surface area. The one or more protrusions may be configured so as not to interfere with the longitudinal spacing of one or more cavities that may be formed in the packing material.

Abstract: A tool device for the automated opening of flip tubes including an actuating plunger which is provided and configured to move the actuating portion at least in open direction and thereby to exert an opening moment on the lid portion, and wherein the device further includes a damping means which is configured to exert a damping moment on the container lid at least during a period of the actuation of the actuating portion by the actuating plunger, which damping moment is less in amount and is in an opposite direction compared to the opening moment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sleeving device, a set of a mandrel and collector and a method for arranging a sleeve around a product, such as a container, wherein static charges on the sleeve are reduced. Foil is fed over a mandrel, is cut into sleeves, and ejected over containers. According to the invention static charge is removed from the sleeve's inner surface by collecting static charge in a collector arranged on the mandrel. The collector includes electrical filaments positioned along an inner circumference of the sleeve. The charge is discharged afterwards, e.g. using a spark gap, via a discharger mounted on the frame and connected to the earth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mandrel, a sleeving device and a method for sleeving containers. The mandrel is suspended in the sleeving device. The mandrel opens a foil to form sleeves. The foil is fed around the tubular outer surface of the mandrel. According to the invention the outer surface of the mandrel is formed by at least two separate mandrel bodies. At least one of the mandrel body is biased outwardly to increase the circumference of the outer surface. This circumference is automatically adapted to the current, instantaneous circumference of the foil fed around the mandrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a sleeving device and a mandrel for arranging sleeves around products such as containers. Foil is opened on the mandrel and fed over the outer surface of the mandrel. The foil is cut to form individual sleeves of predetermined length. Sleeves are discharge in axial direction from the mandrel over the product. During discharge a rotational movement is imparted onto the sleeve. The sleeve is first fed a predetermined length beyond the cutting position before the sleeve is engaged for discharging.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a sleeving device and a mandrel for arranging sleeves around products such as containers. Foil is opened on the mandrel and fed over the outer surface of the mandrel. The foil is cut at a first position to form individual sleeves of predetermined length. Sleeves are discharged in axial direction from the mandrel over the product. The sleeves are discharged by engaging the sleeves at a second position. The circumference of the outer surface of the mandrel near the second position is smaller than the circumference of the outer surface of the mandrel upstream from the first position.

Abstract: A container, such as a bottle or jar, that includes a closed compartment and an active insert device for pressurizing the closed compartment. The active insert device comprises an elastic liner and an active insert that are affixed to a closure or cap or the container. The active insert includes at least one reactant that is triggered to a reaction by an external energy source. The reaction produces a gas, which is delivered to the closed compartment via the liner. The gas causes the liner to expand and open a passage to deliver the gas to the closed compartment.

Abstract: A component tray system comprises a component tray having pockets, such as a standard JEDEC tray, and a thermoformed sheet removably attached to either a top or a bottom surface of the tray. The sheet includes thermoformed protrusions for altering at least the depth of the pockets. During manufacture of components, first components of a first size, such as bare substrates, are loaded into the pockets in the tray and held securely in place by the protrusions of the sheet. After a manufacturing operation, the first components are transformed into second components, larger than the first components. The sheet is removed so that these larger second components can be accommodated in the pockets. This arrangement provides that a single tray can be used throughout a manufacturing process, yet can be adapted to snugly accommodate components of varying sizes throughout.

Abstract: There is described a unit for sterilizing a web of packaging material, the unit having a bath containing a sterilizing agent in which the web is advanced continuously; and an aseptic environment containing sterile air, connected to an outlet of the bath, and housing drying means for removing residual sterilizing agent from the web; the aseptic environment is divided into two regions by a narrow-section channel, along which the web travels, and which is sized to produce a predetermined difference in pressure between the two regions, and so force air into the channel from the higher-pressure region to the lower-pressure region to dry the web.

Abstract: A device is for treating and packaging implants. The device includes a container including a chamber therein. The chamber is closed by a removable seal. The device also includes a carrier sized and shaped to be inserted into the chamber. The carrier includes a carrying structure configured to connect an implant thereto. A portion of the carrier may be formed of an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: The invention is related to a cost-effective method for making a silicone hydrogel contact lens having a crosslinked hydrophilic coating thereon. A method of the invention involves autoclaving, in a sealed lens package, a silicone hydrogel contact lens having a base coating of polyacrylic acid thereon in an aqueous solution in the presence of a water-soluble, crosslinkable hydrophilic polymeric material having epoxide groups, for a period of time sufficient to covalently attach the crosslinkable hydrophilic polymeric material onto the surface of the silicone hydrogel contact lens through covalent linkages each formed between one epoxide group and one of the carboxyl groups on and/or near the surface of the silicone hydrogel contact lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multilayer packaging films with at least one layer containing a thermoplastic, where a coating containing at least one silicone has been applied on that side of the packaging film that faces towards the product requiring packaging, and to use of these, and to packaging processes using the packaging films mentioned.

Abstract: A bar stool system having a first assembled configuration for seating and a second unassembled configuration for storage and shipping, having a horizontal seat, a support frame having leg assembly members and interchangeable legs that assemble quickly and disassemble into a configuration that optimizes space when shipped.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for filling containers such as crates with products, such as glass objects, eggs etc. The device herein comprises a filling station with a setup position for placing the container with the bottom thereof. There is also a feed which during operation feeds at least one of the products at a time to the setup position and is adapted to place the at least one of the products in the container. The method comprises of corresponding operations. In order to achieve an optimum fill factor of the container and prevent breakage of and/or damage to the products as far as possible, the device and the method are respectively distinguished by a fluid flow generator adapted to generate a fluid flow during operation through the bottom of the container and by generating the fluid flow through the bottom of the container.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates generally to packaging materials for packaging articles, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a packaging material which includes, in one embodiment, a plurality of individual strips, strands, or units of material bondably connected to the exterior surface of a flexible, inflatable substrate to form a cohesive inflatable cushioning unit for use as a packaging material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a plurality of independently formed solid components is provided thereby forming a single delivery vehicle for a pharmaceutical or pharmaceutical-like product. The solid components can be held and fed to the apparatus via a plurality of magazines. Pusher rods and the like can be used for positioning each of the solid components. Where the components are connected via a bonding liquid, a sprayer is provided and compression pins or the like press the components with the bonding liquid together to form the final project. A rivet or other connection structure can also be used and driven through holes in each of the solid components to form the final product.

Abstract: A metallic container end closure is provided that generally comprises a dispensing opening and a vent opening. The vent opening improves pourability through the dispensing opening and provides an alternative option for consuming the contents of the container. The end closure may include features to ease opening of the vent opening, such as stiffeners and/or vent form features. Additionally, the end closure may include various safety features, such as a safety fold. In some configurations, the container end closure does not include a pull tab for opening.

Abstract: A package and method for opening the package are disclosed. The package includes a first film (11) and a second film (12) forming an enclosure and at least one tab area (16) and defining a package periphery (18), the enclosure defining an interior volume configured to receive a product. The package further includes first and second breachable bubbles (20, 22) formed within first and second tab portions (24, 26) of the at least one tab area (16). Upon application of pressure by a user, the first and second breachable bubbles (20, 22) breach. The package may be alternated between a first position, wherein the first tab portion (24) and the second tab portion (26) are substantially sealed from each other to facilitate breaching, and a second position, wherein the first tab portion (24) and the second tab portion (26) are in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: Systems with reruckers configured to automatically reruck netting in an upstream direction on a netting chute or horn proximate in time to a clipping operation to pull a clipped end portion of the netting snugly against a discharge end of the chute or horn.

Abstract: A film-fitting device includes a cutting mechanism that cuts a label-forming medium into a predetermined length, a film transfer mechanism that transfers downstream a tubular film arranged around a mandrel, and a shot roller that receives the tubular film transferred by the film transfer mechanism and delivers the tubular film downstream while rotating the tubular film in the circumferential direction. The distance from the cutting mechanism to the shot roller and the distance from the film transfer mechanism to the shot roller are both greater than the length of the tubular film formed by the cutting. Further, rotational drive of the shot roller is carried out by an independent servo motor or stepping motor.

Abstract: A filter frame is removably attachable to a box fan. The filter frame is adapted for receiving a standard HVAC-style filter for removing contaminants from air flow induced by the fan. In this manner, a cost-effective means for filtering a flow of air is provided for residential and commercial settings. The filter frame is adaptable to a variety of standard box fan types of different styles and dimensions. The frame is configured to accommodate standard filters, such as those readily available from retail hardware stores and home centers.

Abstract: A holding sealing material includes a mat, an inorganic binder and an organic binder. The mat includes inorganic fibers and has an upper part, a center part, and a lower part in a thickness direction. The inorganic binder is loaded on the mat. The organic binder is loaded mainly on the upper part and the lower part of the mat. The holding sealing material is disposed between an exhaust gas-treating body and a casing for housing the exhaust gas-treating body to form an exhaust gas purifying apparatus.

Abstract: A height adjustment assembly for a lawn sweeper may include a clip that may have a body portion with an aperture, a tab that extends into a slot on the lawn sweeper and a projection that engages the lawn sweeper, a shaft that engages the body portion and a fastener to movably secure the clip to the lawn sweeper in a desired position.

Abstract: A crop lifter apparatus has a base member adapted to be attached to a cutting header guard finger about a lifter pivot axis. A plurality of lifter tips with different configurations are releasably attachable to the base member at a mounting position such that the attached lifter tip extends forward from the base member. A bias element is operative to exert a bias force on the base member urging a front portion of the base member forward of the lifter pivot axis to pivot downward about the lifter pivot axis, and the bias force urges the base member to bear against a stop. The tips can be configured to suit various conditions of soils and crops.

Abstract: A haymaking device for displacing mown crop includes a frame having a main beam which extends in a longitudinal direction and defines a longitudinal centre line, and at least a first side arm located on one side of the main beam, wherein the side arm carries at least one crop processing tool, preferably rotatably driven about a rotor centre line. The crop processing tool can be a crop displacing tool, such as a rake. The crop processing tool is mounted on a first pivot arm which, in the region of a first pivot arm connection, is pivotably connected, about a substantially horizontal centre line, to the first side arm for movement between an operative position and a transport position. In the operative position, the first pivot arm connection is located at a larger distance from the main beam than the rotor centre line of the first crop processing tool.

Abstract: A sewing thread is formed as a staple fiber thread. The staple fiber thread is formed as a spun fiber thread from a staple fiber material with or from staple fibers. The staple fibers are or contain carbon fiber materials. A certain proportion or all of the staple fibers are wholly or partially coated or impregnated as individual fibers, as groups of individual fibers, or as a whole, with one or a plurality of coating materials and/or impregnation materials respectively.

Abstract: Composite yarns, comprising one or more elastomeric fibers and hard yarns, are formed by adhering the elastomeric fibers and hard yarns together using a size material. The size-covered composite yarn can be used in weaving and knitting to make stretch fabrics with desired garment characteristics. The size material may be removed by subsequent wet fabric processing.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to the general art of connector links, and to the particular field of coupling links for coupling to one or more chain links. Particular embodiments include coupling links having a body with a central portion that has an aperture passing therethrough, a closed first end that is integral, and a second end that has an opening, and a retaining member in the form of a removable, deformable, or pivotable member that may selectively provide a closure to the opening. Other embodiments include retaining members on both ends of the coupling link.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an integrated power generating system and method that combines combustion power generation with solar heating. Specifically, a closed cycle combustion system utilizing a carbon dioxide working fluid can be increased in efficiency by passing at least a portion of a carbon dioxide working fluid through a solar heater prior to passage through a combustor.

Abstract: A twin-shaft gas turbine can be used for 50 and 60 Hz power generation without using a reducer. A gas generator includes a compressor that generates compressed air, a burner that burns a fuel mixed with the compressed air received from the compressor so as to generate combustion gas, and a high-pressure turbine that is rotationally driven by the combustion gas received from the burner and generates driving force for the compressor. An output turbine includes a low-pressure turbine that is driven by exhaust gas received from the high-pressure turbine and a power generator that is driven by the low-pressure turbine. A control device reduces opening degree of IGV of the compressor and thereby reduces power of the compressor, and the rotational frequency of the gas generator is increased in a full-speed no-load operating state of the power generator.

Abstract: In the two-pulse rocket motor in accordance with the present invention, the second propellant is set outside of the first propellant in a motor case, and the inner surface of the first propellant is exposed throughout the almost entire length in the axial direction of the motor case. Therefore, the initial burning area can be secured without deteriorating the performance. Also, by providing a weak part by bonding the barrier membranes or shaping slits on the barrier membrane, the breaking portion of barrier membrane and the behavior of barrier membrane after breakage can be controlled. Further, by setting an igniter charge having higher ignitability and a higher burning rate than the second propellant between the inner surface of the second propellant and the inner barrier membrane, the detachment of barrier membrane and the ignition of the second propellant can be assisted.

Abstract: An exhaust-gas sampler is adapted to couple into an exhaust conduit and to sample a constituent of an engine exhaust flowing therein. The sampler comprises an envelope having upstream and downstream surfaces joined by a curved side surface. The upstream and downstream surfaces are each tangent to a plane substantially normal to a central axis of the exhaust conduit. A series of inlets are formed in the upstream surface, and an outlet is formed in the curved side surface. A sensor responsive to a level of the constituent in the exhaust is coupled in the envelope, at the peripheral region of the conduit.